Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast

Hosted by Dominic Rubino

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277

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Aug 2026

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About the show

For business owners who are CabinetMakers, Architectural Woodworkers Furniture Makers and Woodwork shop owners. Cabinet Maker Profit System is a resource that shows you how to work less and earn more. Listening here is how you "2x your Profits" and "2x your Time off". For tips, tricks and information on business building. Its not boring business talk- its real world info, podcasts, videos and articles just for trades pro's. Join the conversation at --> www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com

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August 13, 2026Episode 3131 min

You Made a Profit... So Where Did the Money Go?

Your financial statements say you're profitable... So why isn't there any money in the bank? In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Fractional CFO Natalia Zacharin to explain one of the biggest financial mysteries business owners face. You'll learn: ✔️ The difference between profit and cash flow ✔️ Why profitable companies still struggle with cash ✔️ The hidden expenses that drain your bank account ✔️ How to improve project profitability ✔️ Why forecasting is critical for long-term success ✔️ When a Fractional CFO makes sense for your business If you're a contractor, entrepreneur, or business owner looking to improve your financial decision-making, this episode is packed with practical advice. 👍 Like the video 💬 Leave your biggest takeaway in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on growing a profitable business. More about Natalia Zacharin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growyourbottomline Website: https://zacharinconsulting.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zacharinconsulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growyourbottomline Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #NataliaZacharin #Profit

July 30, 2026Episode 3035 min

Animal Tracks Aren't Dinner. How to bring in deals and you really see your future.

That's the lesson every cabinet shop owner and every estimator, designer, and salesperson needs to hear. In this solo episode, Dominic Rubino explains why your pipeline isn't your forecast and why treating every estimate like guaranteed revenue creates costly mistakes. You'll discover how professional shops use deal scoring and weighted forecasting to make smarter decisions about hiring, scheduling, purchasing, production, and cash flow. In this episode you'll learn: • Why estimates create false confidence • The "Animal Tracks Aren't Dinner" analogy • How deal scoring improves forecasting accuracy • Why operations depend on sales information • How to create a common language between sales, design, and leadership • Why facts beat gut feelings when planning growth If you're tired of surprises and want more predictable growth, this episode gives you a practical system you can start using immediately. 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more practical business advice for cabinet shop owners. More about Dominic Rubino: Site: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CabinetMakerProfitSystem/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabinetmakerprofitsystem/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicrubino/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #KristenDeese #KristenDeese #Podcast

July 23, 2026Episode 2944 min

It's time to look at this business differently

Where did the profit go? Many cabinet shop owners are busier than ever but still wonder why cash is always tight. In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Kristen Deese, Virtual CFO for the Trades, to discuss why revenue alone doesn't build wealth. You'll learn why successful businesses eventually stop relying on gut feelings and begin using financial data to make better decisions. In this episode: ✅ Why selling more doesn't always increase profit ✅ The difference between a CPA and a CFO ✅ Why profit should be planned not left over ✅ How cash flow and net profit are different ✅ Why job costing matters ✅ Understanding Work In Progress (WIP) ✅ Common financial mistakes growing cabinet shops make ✅ Why better numbers lead to better business decisions If you're building a cabinet shop, millwork company, or woodworking business and want more profit with less stress, this episode will change how you look at your business. 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more practical business advice for cabinet shop owners. More about Kristen Deese: Site: https://www.kristendeese.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristen.deese.7/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen_deese/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-virtual-cfo-for-the-trades/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #KristenDeese #Podcast

July 16, 2026Episode 2849 min

I lost my whole drafting department. This is how I got it back.

What happens if your cabinet shop loses every drawing overnight? It happened. A server failure left an entire drafting department without access to critical design files, bringing production to a halt. In this episode, Dominic Rubino talks with Brian Hamilton, an IT specialist who grew up in the cabinet industry, about protecting cabinet shops from data loss, downtime, ransomware, and technology failures. They discuss practical ways to protect your business before disaster strikes. ✅ In this episode you'll learn: ✅ Why backups matter more than most owners realize ✅ Cloud vs. on-premise servers ✅ Password management best practices ✅ Protecting CAD and engineering files ✅ Cybersecurity for cabinet and millwork shops ✅ Planning IT around business growth ✅ How insurance requirements are changing ✅ Why technology should support your operations not slow them down If your business depends on engineering, drafting, CNC programming, or customer data, this episode is essential listening. 💬 Tell us: What's your biggest concern when it comes to protecting your shop's data? 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more practical business advice for cabinet shop owners. More about Brian Hamilton: Site: https://newhdata.io Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.hamilton.52687 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrianchamilton/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hamilton-8474bb166/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #CabinetMakerProfitSystem #ProfitToolBelt #DominicRubino #CabinetMaker #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #Millwork #Woodwork #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Leadership #TeamLeadership #BusinessSystems #BusinessFinance #Profitability #CashFlow #JobCosting #Efficiency #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #ContractorBusiness #ConstructionBusiness #Estimating #AWI #AWMAC #NKBA #CMA #BrianHamilton #CyberSecurity #DataBackup

July 9, 2026Episode 2755 min

I had to change or the bank was calling my loan!

The bank gave Erik Fetzer's family business an ultimatum: change... or risk losing everything. After back-to-back years of major financial losses, a consultant introduced one simple concept that changed the future of the company: Cut your batch size in half. What followed wasn't just a financial turnaround. It became a decades-long journey of continuous improvement that transformed how the company built projects, managed production, trained employees, and measured performance. In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Erik Fetzer to discuss the systems that helped a fourth-generation architectural millwork company become stronger, more profitable, and more efficient. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ Why batch size impacts profitability ✅ How flow beats inventory ✅ Why "working harder" isn't the answer ✅ The three principles of continuous improvement ✅ How to eliminate waste in your shop ✅ Why data matters more than opinions ✅ The leadership lesson every shop owner needs One quote you'll probably remember: "People do what their bosses talk about and measure." Whether you own a cabinet shop, millwork company, or custom woodworking business, this episode will challenge how you think about operations. 👍 Like this video 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more practical business advice for cabinet shop owners. More about Erik Fetzer: Site: https://fetzerwood.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fetzerwood Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #cabinetmakerprofitsystem #ProfitToolBelt #dominicrubino #fatherhood #marriageadvice #familybusiness #contractorlife #millwork #cabinetmaker #woodwork #profitability #podcast #efficiency #entrepreneur #architecturalmillwork #estimating #woodworkingbusiness #CabinetShop #ArchitecturalMillwork #ContinuousImprovement #LeanManufacturing #WoodworkingBusiness #ShopManagement #ManufacturingLeadership #BusinessSystems

July 2, 2026Episode 261 hr 1 min

How to Estimate Millwork Jobs and Win the Jobs you want!

How do you stop wasting hours estimating jobs you'll never win? In this episode of the Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast, Dominic Rubino talks with Richard Bergan, Vice President of Bergen Architectural Woodworking, about the systems that helped his architectural millwork company improve estimating, avoid missed bid deadlines, and focus on the projects that fit their business best. Whether you're still doing every estimate yourself or training your first estimator, this conversation offers practical lessons you can apply immediately. You'll learn: ✔️ What separates a great estimator from an average one ✔️ How to know which bids deserve your time ✔️ Why following up after bids increases your win rate ✔️ How better communication builds stronger GC relationships ✔️ Why systems reduce chaos inside the office If you're tired of spending hours estimating projects that go nowhere, this episode will help you build a smarter estimating process. 👍 Like this video 💬 What was your biggest takeaway? 🔔 Subscribe for more real-world business advice for contractors and shop owners. More about Richard Bergan: Site: https://richardbergan.com/ https://www.berganwood.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berganwoodworking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berganwoodworking Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #cabinetmakerprofitsystem #ProfitToolBelt #dominicrubino #fatherhood #marriageadvice #familybusiness #contractorlife #millwork #cabinetmaker #woodwork #profitability #podcast #efficiency #entrepreneur #architecturalmillwork #estimating #woodworkingbusiness #Architectural millwork #Bid management #Estimating process #Richard Bergan

June 25, 2026Episode 2555 min

Uh Oh- Im working so hard i forgot about my family with Larry Hagner

Are you working so hard that you're missing the people you're doing it for? Most contractors are incredible providers. They'll outwork anyone. They'll keep promises to customers and employees. But sometimes they forget the promises made at home. In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge, for a powerful conversation about marriage, fatherhood, relationships, and why success means very little if you lose connection with the people who matter most. You'll learn: ✔ Why many husbands feel more like roommates than partners ✔ Why kids spell love T-I-M-E ✔ Why your wife wants to feel seen, heard, and safe ✔ How work can quietly steal the moments you'll never get back ✔ Why providing money isn't the same as providing connection ✔ How to build a life not just a business This episode is for contractors, cabinet makers, remodelers, and business owners who want success without sacrificing family. 🎙 Guest: Larry Hagner - Founder of The Dad Edge 👍 Like this video 💬 What was your biggest takeaway? 🔔 Subscribe for more real-world business advice for contractors and shop owners. More about Larry Hagner: Site: https://thedadedge.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-hagner-a82b8715/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadedge Books: https://thedadedge.com/product-category/books/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ @profittoolbelt4527⁩

June 18, 2026Episode 2454 min

I Built $40M in Businesses... and Was Miserable

Most contractors and business owners spend years chasing revenue, bigger teams, and more success, only to wonder why they still feel stuck. In this episode, Dominic Rubino sits down with CPA, entrepreneur, and author Spencer Sheinin to discuss the journey from financial success to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Spencer shares his experience building four businesses, generating over $40 million in revenue, and discovering that success alone wasn't enough. Together they explore why so many contractors feel trapped in "robot mode," the importance of financial stability, and how business owners can create impact beyond profits. You'll also discover Spencer's three entrepreneurial archetypes—the Pure Archetype, Conscious Archetype, and Abundant Archetype and how understanding your own path can help you build a business that provides meaning, fulfillment, and financial freedom. Whether you're a contractor, home service business owner, trades entrepreneur, or leader looking for greater purpose, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success and what comes next. In this video, you'll learn: • Why money alone doesn't create happiness. • The three purpose-driven entrepreneur archetypes. • How financial clarity unlocks freedom. • Why many business owners experience "robot mode." • How contractors can create impact through their businesses. • Ways to build a legacy that extends beyond profits. More about Spencer Sheinin: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencersheinin/ Entreprenutcases: https://entreprenutcases.com/ Author Website: https://entreprenumbers.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftfinancialinsights/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spencerrsheinin/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ What gives YOU the greatest sense of purpose in your business? Let us know in the comments below! DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #CabinetMaker #WoodworkingBusiness #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SmallBusinessOwner #SuccessMindset #FinancialFreedom #PurposeDriven

June 11, 2026Episode 2343 min

Industry Standard: 45%. They Were at 12%.

If you're running a cabinet shop and feel like you're working harder every year but not seeing better results, this episode will hit home. In this conversation, James and Sally Edrington share how buying an Amish cabinet shop without previous ownership experience led them into years of grinding without understanding the numbers behind the business. Through the Checkpoint 90 financial review, they discovered hidden problems with cost of goods sold, inventory, pricing, gross profit margin, and rework that were quietly limiting growth. You'll hear how understanding cabinet shop financial benchmarks helped them regain confidence, improve inventory management, tighten their sales process, and start making decisions based on facts instead of guesswork. Coach Pete Ficco also shares lessons from scaling an Amish cabinet operation from $3.5 million to $10 million and explains why tracking conversion rates, gross profit, and end-of-job reports are essential for profitable growth. If you're a cabinet maker, millwork company owner, closet shop, or woodworking entrepreneur looking to grow your business, this episode offers practical advice and real-world examples from owners who are in the trenches every day. In this video, you'll learn: • Why most cabinet shops struggle with profitability • How to benchmark your numbers against the industry • The dangers of excessive inventory and hidden rework • How pricing confidence affects growth • Why SOPs and lead tracking improve sales • How to work on your business instead of staying stuck in the tools Our mission is to help cabinet shop owners build profitable businesses that support their families, create freedom, and provide lasting impact for future generations. More about James and Sally: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-edrington-331a37b4 Website: https://www.schrockscountrykitchens.com/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ What's the biggest challenge in your cabinet shop right now: pricing, inventory, rework, hiring, or getting off the tools? Let us know in the comments below! DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: ⁨@Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom⁩ ⁨@profittoolbelt4527⁩ #cabinetshop #woodworkingbusiness #cabinetmakers #customcabinets #smallbusinessgrowth #businesscoaching #profitability #woodworkingentrepreneur #contractorbusiness

June 4, 2026Episode 2236 min

Your People Aren't the Problem (Your Systems Are)

If you're struggling with employee turnover, team accountability, leadership challenges, or scaling your contracting business, this episode is packed with practical insights. Dominic Rubino sits down with Pete Ficco, a serial entrepreneur who grew a custom cabinetry company from $3 million to $10 million and now helps contractors improve performance through proven business systems. The conversation dives deep into one of the biggest challenges contractors face: people problems. You'll learn how successful trade business owners create role clarity, develop leadership systems, build company culture, and use strategic planning to align their teams around growth goals. Pete explains how tools like Team at Risk Reviews, organizational charts, core values, foreman training, and End of Job Reports can help construction companies make better hiring decisions, improve retention, and increase profitability. The discussion also explores the balance between the emotional side of leadership and the logical side of data-driven decision making. In this video, you'll learn: • How to identify and solve people problems in the trades • Why role clarity improves team performance • How strategic planning creates alignment • The importance of company values and culture • Ways to improve employee retention • How End of Job Reports reveal hidden profit leaks • Why contractors lose money without realizing it • Leadership lessons for growing construction companies Whether you're a remodeling contractor, custom home builder, cabinet shop owner, trades business owner, or construction entrepreneur, these systems can help you build a stronger team and a more profitable business. This interview provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately to improve operations and scale your company. More about Pete Ficco: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-ficco-b203b017? Company's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prosper-vp? Website: https://www.prospervp.com/ Also check out: Cabinet Maker Profit System: https://www.cabinetmakerprofitsystem.com Profit Toolbelt: https://www.profittoolbelt.com/ Contractor Wealth System: https://www.contractorwealthsystem.com/ What's the biggest people challenge you're facing in your business right now, and what system have you put in place to solve it? DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE: @Cabinetmakerprofitsystemcom @profittoolbelt4527 #ContractorLife #ConstructionBusiness #ConstructionManagement #TradesBusiness #ContractorSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamManagement #SmallBusinessGrowth #constructionleadership